Overview
With daily distances of up to 130km, and some days presenting more than 2000m of ascent, this is our ultimate Taiwan ride and is not to be taken lightly. As well as the cycling challenge this tour presents, the route also enables us to see a larger part of the island and to fully experience its diversity.
We start our cycling expedition in the capital city, Taipei, but quickly move out towards the east coast where the first of many hot springs awaits. Here begins one of the toughest legs of the ride, as we climb our way from sea level up to the mindblowing Central Mountain Range at 2200m. The payoff comes the following day with long descents and more magnificent vistas as we glide down into Taroko National Park, the home of the world’s deepest marble gorge.
After a rest day in the gorge, we’ll pedal back to the East Rift Valley. Day 7 we cross the Tropic of Cancer and zoom south into the tropics and along the spectacular coastline before bearing inland to Zhiben. The epic ride from Zhiben to Kenting is one of the highlights of the tour and is followed by a well-earned rest day.
From Kenting we switch gears to head north, skirting the foothills of the southern mountains, and then making one final incursion into the mountains to Baolai and Guanziling, with its famous Fire Water Pool and mud-infused hot springs. Your epic ride completes its loop back in the capital, Taipei, with a celebratory evening to mark the end of a rewarding challenge and a great adventure.
890 Km riding. We ride on well-made roads some of which have designated cycle lanes. The terrain varies from steep ascents and descents in the mountains to gently undulating along parts of the East Coast. Traffic is generally light although there will be stretches on busier roads.
Highlights
Conquer a challenging ride from near sea level up to Wuling Farm at 1800 m before overnighting there.
Enjoy descending into the Taroko Gorge with some incredible views, then take a rest day to explore this marble wonder.
Cycle one of Taiwan’s best bike routes on the scenic coastal ride from Zhiben to Kenting.
Explore the Santimen Indigenous Peoples’ Cultural Park for a glimpse at the culture of remote Taiwan.
Day to Day
On Day 1 people will be arriving throughout the day. We’ll meet in the evening to get to know one another over dinner and have an introductory briefing of the exciting ride ahead.
This morning we’ll start with a bike fitting and then hammer our way out of the city, working our bikes southeast on a lovely little road which passes through tea plantations. After a nice session of cycling, we’ll emerge at Jiaoxi near the east coast where we’ll stay in an attractive resort with hot springs that provide the ultimate muscle recovery.
Today’s ride is one of the most challenging of the entire route, taking us from near sea level all the way up to Wuling Farm at 1800m. Our ascent follows the course of the wild Lanyang River. The climb begins gently enough but gradually ramps up as we proceed further into the spectacular mountains. We overnight in Wuling Farm, one of a number of government resettlement projects which encouraged the development of high altitude agriculture back in the 1960s. Here the farms still flourish, and these days the natural splendor of the surroundings draws adventurers from around the island.
The day begins with yet more climbing, reaching the highest point on Taiwan’s road system at 3280m before beginning the exhilarating descent down into Taroko Gorge. The gorge forges its way through the Central Mountain Range and provides rewarding views for your cycling efforts. Whether shrouded in mist or glowing in the sunlight, this sheer marble gorge is a captivating sight and we’ll overnight in the heart of the chasm.
Use free time today to recover and explore the gorge’s network of hiking trails or relax amidst the gorgeous scenery. For the die-hard cyclists among you, there’s the opportunity to have a shot at part of the famous King of the Mountain route: one of the most challenging rides on the planet, which involves over 3000m of ascent in a little over 100km!
After a day out of the saddle, we start early to make the exhilarating ride down through Taroko Gorge to emerge onto the Pacific Coast. We cycle narrow lines lined with banana trees and temples to avoid the main road, with gorgeous beachside rest stops on our way south. After lunch, we’ll pedal into the picturesque but little-visited East Rift Valley, cycling through prime tropical fruit growing country with towering mountains on either side. When the day’s ride is over, we spend the night in a lovely resort set amidst beautiful countryside where a refreshing pool and soothing hot springs await.
Today we mount our bikes and continue cycling further south through lush green rice paddies and small indigenous communities before crossing the Coastal Mountain Range to one of the most spectacular stretches of Pacific Coast. After lunch, we skirt the city of Taitung and then move inland to our overnight stop in the small resort town of Zhiben, where once again there are hot springs to rejuvenate you for tomorrow’s cracking ride.
We return to the coastline today, and then cycle south along the east coast, climbing over a series of headlands which provide breath-taking ocean vistas. The coastal route then flattens out before bearing inland and beginning the long, gradual ascent into the hills of the Hengchun Peninsula. Once we’ve reached the top, we switch gears from the main east-west route to a lovely little road through remote jungle dotted with indigenous villages before bringing us back down to the coast.
The bike route here is one of Taiwan’s finest, with the road running right alongside the ocean, passing windswept beaches and abandoned military bases before once again ascending into the jungle. The last leg of the ride takes us all the way to the island’s southernmost point, from which it’s just a short ride on to Kenting, Taiwan's tropical playground. In the evening we’ll head out for dinner and have the chance to explore Kenting’s vibrant night market.
Today enjoy free time to relax on some of Taiwan's best beaches, hike in the national park, surf, snorkel or just read a book and rest those bulging leg muscles! As well as Taiwanese and indigenous eateries, Kenting has a host of Western-oriented cafés and restaurants serving food from around the globe. We leave lunch and dinner open today to indulge in whichever cuisine you happen to be craving.
Today we’ll cycle north into Taiwan’s banana belt, giving the legs some rest on a flat route which skirts the mountains through the heartland of the Paiwan people. We’ll spend the night near the indigenous settlement of Santimen.
This morning is free to explore the beautifully situated Santimen Indigenous People’s Cultural Park, which showcases Taiwan’s indigenous tribes, and gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the culture of the people living in the remote parts of the island we’ve covered on our tour. Alternatively, you could take a short but strenuous ride up highway 24 which climbs into the mountains that are home to the Rukai people. After an early lunch, we’ll commence today’s ride, following the Laonong River Valley north to the mountain settlement of Baolai where hot springs and tasty indigenous food awaits.
While our final day’s ride isn’t too long, it is fittingly challenging, and contains its fair share of hills! We backtrack a few kilometers before heading west on a beautiful mountain road where we can check out lakes and historic settlements from above our handlebars before joining ‘the coffee road’ to Guanziling. We’ll ride through orange groves and past giant boulders and will break for lunch at one of the local plantation cafes. We’ll make a short diversion to see Guanziling’s famed Fire Water Pool, where flames miraculously emerge from the waters of a mountain pond- a stunning experience! On arrival at our hotel, we have one last chance to soak in hot springs, this time infused with mud!
Today we’ll check-out and make the 4-5 hour drive back to Taipei. On arrival, you’ll have some time to relax or take a bit of a wander before heading out for a celebratory dinner to mark the end of our ultimate Taiwan ride.
The tour ends today after breakfast. You are free to leave at any time.
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
Not only are we experts at providing bike tours throughout Asia, but we are also cycling enthusiasts ourselves! That’s why this tour is specially designed for passionate, advanced cyclists who enjoy nothing more than their feet on the pedals climbing challenging ascents and zipping downhill with great views. This itinerary is nothing short of epic, and a true cycling adventure awaits with some incredible scenery and interesting cultural experiences along the way.
